Cannes Film Festival Double for APTN Library

Two films competing at the Cannes Film Festival have included footage from APTN Library.

Both are in the Official Selection of 18 films competing for the prestigious Palme d'Or.

They are Michael Moore's new documentary "Fahrenheit 911" and Emir Kusturica's "Life is a Miracle".

Fahrenheit 911 links US President George W Bush and prominent Saudis including the family of Osama bin Laden and criticises the actions of the US administration before and after the terrorist attacks on September 11 2001.

Head of Content Development Christopher O'Hearn said the use of the footage reflected a fundamental philosophy of the company.

"There is no doubt that someone like Michael Moore is controversial but that is his right. The AP's mission is independent and objective reporting and that means being open to all on the same basis. We do not editorialise."

The footage supplied for Fahrenheit 911 is mainly from Iraq, where APTN has had extensive and at times extraordinary coverage reflecting its position as the world's leading news agency.

Kusturica's Life is a Miracle tells the story of a Serbian man caught up in the conflict between Serbs, Croats and Bosnians during the 1990s.

APTN footage from Sarajevo and other scenes from the war is used to etsablish the background.

Kusturica is a previous winner of the Palme d'Or with "When Father was Away on Business" in 1985 and "Underground" in 1995.

O'Hearn said: "The APTN Library is one of the best in the world and we are delighted that film makers the world over recognise that it offers such a comprehensive record of global affairs."